10 unusual hotels within Europe
As an organiser of corporate travel and international meetings, we regularly find ourselves abroad. We scour many restaurants and hotels in search of the ultimate location. In this blog, you will be introduced to a selection of the many exceptional hotels we know across Europe. Unique, original, but above all, a place for an unforgettable experience. Will you join us?
10. Stockholm: Grand Hotel Stockholm
Since 1874, this hotel has been the place where celebrities, high-profile events and bon vivants come together. The hotel is in the best imaginable location in the city: on the waterfront, overlooking the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town). “The Grand” is home to, among other things, the classic Swedish Veranda restaurant, which is known for its traditional smörgåsbord (Swedish festive meal), Mathias Dahlgren's Michelin-starred restaurant and the spectacular Cadier Bar. To here with our groups Being allowed to stay overnight is always so special each time...
9. Limburg: Chateau Holtmuhle
Back to the romance of the Middle Ages? At Chateau Holtmuhle you can stay in a truly authentic castle. The hotel is located in the middle of the stunning Limburg countryside, known for its expansive landscapes and endless fields. A gourmet dinner is not to be missed during a Meeting, group tour or event cannot be missed, of course. The team at Die Alde Heerlickheijt will certainly see to that. Pure enjoyment.
8. Barcelona: W-hotel
The Mediterranean climate in versatile Barcelona makes it a wonderful place to stay. It is a city with a huge wealth of culture, chic shops, authentic tapas bars and a wonderful beach. In addition, you can stay in the most luxurious hotels, such as the W Hotel.
The W hotel, in the shape of a sailboat, is one of Barcelona's most striking buildings. Staying in this hotel is synonymous with sublime luxury. A visit to the W lounge and the Eclipse bar on the top floor of the hotel is a must-do on group trips to Barcelona., like this. From the hotel room you have a fantastic view over the city or the Mediterranean Sea. Restaurant BRAVO24 by the world-famous Catalan chef Carles Abellán has earned a Michelin star, but Salt on the beach (with its own swimming pool) is also well worth a visit. Enjoy! With 473 rooms, it offers plenty of possibilities for large group trips.
7. Edinburgh: Balmoral Hotel
The Victorian-built Balmoral Hotel (with 188 rooms) is a striking landmark in the heart of Edinburgh thanks to its clock tower. It is home to one of the most famous clocks in the world! Fun fact: legend has it that the clocks have been set three minutes fast since 1902, so that citizens would never miss their train. Would it work?! J.K. Rowling wrote her last two Harry Potter books here, in room 522 to be precise. This room was later renamed the J.K. Rowling Suite. This suite costs around £1,000 a day and is very popular among Harry Potter fans.
Unique: From the hotel you can admire Edinburgh Castle and restaurant Number One is also definitely worth a visit.
6. Barcelona: Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental (with 120 rooms) is located on the Passeig de Gràcia and is one of the city of Barcelona's most cherished hotels. The hotel exudes an oasis of calm: the use of colours and materials ensures that after a long day full of activities you can truly unwind...
5. Amsterdam – Hotel Jakarta
This luxury ‘green’ four-star hotel is one of the first energy-neutral hotels in the Netherlands. Opened in 2018, the hotel is located on Java Island, on the very spot where the regular shipping service to Indonesia used to depart. This hotel gives guests the feeling of travelling to Indonesia without ever leaving Amsterdam. The hotel is built from 80% sustainable wood and is self-sufficient in its electricity, heating and air-conditioning supply. The green, tropical inner courtyard is a gorgeous place, the beds are wonderful and the view is sublime. Skybar Malabar is an ideal venue for hosting a celebratory event, boasting panoramic views across Amsterdam! In addition, your group will be taken on a culinary journey of discovery in the ‘Café Jakarta’ restaurant, where East meets West.
4. Lisbon: Hotel Tivoli Lisboa
Hotel Tivoli Lisboa, the best 5-star hotel in Lisbon! The hotel is housed in a magnificent 1930s building and enjoys a very central location on the Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's most famous avenue. The Marquês de Pombal square, the Eduardo VII park and the Baixa district with its many shops and restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away. One of the (literal) highlights of this hotel is the stunning rooftop. People come from far and wide to have a drink here while enjoying a magnificent view over the city. The rooftop is filled with celebrities every day, from Madonna to Cristiano Ronaldo. Anita (Managing Director of goMICE) also bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo during a inspection trip to Lisbon and naturally had a quick photo taken with him.
3. London: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Luxury. Elegance. The epitome of hospitality. That is the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel; part of St. Pancras railway station. The building is a Victorian architectural masterpiece. In this hotel, every room, suite and meeting room has a story to tell. And pictures speak louder than words, so be sure to watch the video below... Are you just as enthusiastic as we are?
2. Paris: Hotel OFF, floating Hotel & Bar on the Seine
OFF is the first floating hotel and bar in Paris, moored at the foot of Gare d'Austerlitz. The converted catamaran offers a lounge bar with panoramic views over the Seine, a plunge pool and a marina. This floating hotel in Paris is located between the Left and Right Banks, offering unique views throughout the day.
Finnish Lapland: Kakslauttanen
A night at Kakslautanen makes your trip truly unforgettable! A unique experience. The igloos in which you stay have a glass roof so that you can gaze at the starry sky from your room. And perhaps you will be lucky and be able to see the northern lights. The surroundings are amazingly beautiful and even though the temperature can sometimes drop to -30 C: the room is nice and warm.
Where are you heading on your next group trip?
Our passion for travel translates into an offering of exceptional Group holidays and hotels that have been curated with love – whether this is a winter sports trip in the Alps, a corporate weekend including a yacht with colleagues in Ibiza, or an over-the-top luxury experience in Dubai.
Can you already picture yourself and your employees or business associates visiting one of the above destinations during a group or incentive trip? A great travel programme is just as important as comfortable accommodation. We are happy to create a complete travel experience for your target audience. From powerful communication before, during and after the trip through our Stretch-method, unforgettable activities, high-quality restaurants and surprising WOW moments! Brainstorming about your next incentive trip? Then get in touch today Contact Meet us!
Update: This blog first appeared on 23 July 2018 and was updated with new information on 17 September 2021.